Mechanisms for synaptic localization of ionotropic GABA receptors in the brain

突触上神经递质受体的激活介导突触传递 被突触前末梢释放的神经递质所束缚。的 大脑中主要的抑制性递质是γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）， 离子型GABAA受体定位于抑制性突触以介导快速抑制 传输GABA受体的失调导致各种精神和神经系统疾病。 包括自闭症谱系障碍、精神分裂症、癫痫和其他疾病在内的疾病， 紊乱然而，GABAA受体突触定位的精确机制 仍然不清楚。我们最近发现了新的GARLH家族蛋白作为一种关键的 突触GABAARs的调节因子。在这个建议中，我们的目标是揭示在体内的作用， GARLH在调节大脑中GABAAR活性中的作用，GARLH-GABAAR的主要规则 相互作用和抑制性突触成分的分子关系。 这项工作的成功完成将揭示基本的分子 确定GABAA受体的突触定位和传递的机制 在大脑里。阐明控制抑制性传递的分子规则将使 我们确定可能减轻神经损伤的药物的假定分子靶点 和精神障碍

The activation of neurotransmitter receptors at synapses mediate synaptic transmission upon being bound by neurotransmitters released from presynaptic terminals. The predominant inhibitory transmitter in the brain is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and ionotropic GABAA receptors localize at inhibitory synapses to mediate fast inhibitory transmission. Dysregulation of GABA receptors causes various mental and neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other disorders. However, precise mechanisms for synaptic localization of GABAA receptors remain unclear. We have recently identified novel GARLH family proteins as a critical regulator of synaptic GABAARs. In this proposal, we aim to reveal in vivo roles of GARLHs in regulating GABAAR activity in the brain, principle rules of GARLH-GABAAR interactions, and molecular relationships of constituents of inhibitory synapses. Successful completion of this proposed work will reveal fundamental molecular mechanisms for determining synaptic localization and transmission of GABAA receptors in the brain. Elucidating the molecular rules governing inhibitory transmission will enable us to identify putative molecular targets for drugs that may alleviate impair neurological and mental disorders.